State of Michigan
JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM governor	DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Lansing	REBECCA A. HUMPHRIES director

BILL ANALYSIS

BILL NUMBER:	SB 196 AS INTRODUCED
TOPIC:	Transfer of state-owned property in Oscoda County (Mio Field Office)
SPONSOR:	Tony Stamas
CO-SPONSORS:	None
COMMITTEE:	Appropriations
Analysis Done:	March 7, 2007

POSITION

The Department does not support this legislation.

PROBLEM/BACKGROUND

This property is currently being used by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the Mio Field Office, housing staff from the Wildlife, Fisheries, and Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Divisions. Additionally, this is a strategic location for the stationing of fire equipment to aid the DNR in controlling wild fires in this area of the state.

DESCRIPTION OF BILL

This bill would transfer 4.68 acres of property, plus an office building that is currently being used by the DNR, to Oscoda County for $1.00.

SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS

Pro

None

Con

The DNR currently utilizes the property. Although the DNR is opposed to this bill, if this property were to be sold, it should be at the fair market value, which would allow the proceeds to be used to purchase other lands that would meet the DNR's mission.

Additionally, the DNR has currently contracted with Public Sector Consultants to analyze the field offices and structure, and to make recommendations for determining optimum office locations to provide service to the public and to enhance DNR programs.

FISCAL/ECONOMIC IMPACT

Are there revenue or budgetary implications in the bill to the --

(a) Department

Budgetary:

Yes

Revenue:

Yes

Comments:

If the property was transferred, there would be budgetary impacts associated with having to transfer and relocate staff and fire equipment to other work locations in the state.

(b) State

Budgetary:

None

Revenue:

None

Comments:

None

(c) Local Government

Comments:

OTHER STATE DEPARTMENTS

None

ANY OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

The DNR considered closing the office and transferring this property to Oscoda County in 2001. However, it subsequently determined that it would not do so and that the office would remain open. It houses staff and serves as a forest fire equipment stationing site.

ADMINISTRATIVE RULES IMPACT

None

_______________________________

Rebecca A. Humphries

Director

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Date

OLAF/WLD/FMFM